Traveling through the late Ming Dynasty to promote Chinese civilization

Chapter 224 The War Begins

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Zheng Zhiwan arrived in Lingao once again, but his attitude was completely different this time. Firstly, the Qiongzhou Camp had already demonstrated its strength at Zhongzuo, with its maneuverable warships and sharp cannons, which made the Zheng family dare not underestimate it; secondly, the Zheng family needed the Qiongzhou Camp's help, so they naturally had to be mindful of their approach.

Zheng Zhiwan, contrary to her previous arrogance, smiled broadly and said, "My elder brother sent me here because he has something to ask of me. Please grant my request, General."

Liu Ye vaguely guessed the other party's intention, but remained outwardly calm: "Qiongzhou Camp and Zheng Family have already formed an alliance. We're all family, so let's speak frankly."

Zheng Zhiwan adopted a somber expression: "The red-haired fleet took advantage of my elder brother's absence to launch a surprise attack on Zhongzuo. We suffered heavy losses; at least forty large ships were sunk..."

"Such a thing actually happened?" Liu Ye slammed his hand on the table, feigning indignation. "I told you long ago that the Dutch are despicable people and we should be careful, but I never expected General Zheng would still suffer a loss..."

Zheng Zhiwan, observing the other party's expression, couldn't detect anything amiss, and dismissed any lingering suspicions. He sighed, "The loss of ships is one thing; whether they are newly built or purchased, it wouldn't be difficult for the Zheng family to make up for the shortfall of dozens of ships. However, more than half of the short-barreled heavy cannons purchased from the general have been lost."

This is what my older brother is most worried about. These cannons were originally meant to be very useful; they were essential for fighting Liu Xiang and Hong Mao..."

Just as I thought! Liu Ye chuckled inwardly. He had personally witnessed those low-end versions of the Caron cannons sink to the bottom of the sea along with the Big Blue Head, so he could naturally guess the other party's intentions.

Zheng Zhiwan paused for a moment, and seeing that the other party did not respond, she had no choice but to continue: "Please sell us some more cannons, General, at the same price."

Liu Ye pretended to be in a difficult position: "But this cannon is very difficult to forge and takes a long time. If you need it urgently, it may not be available in a short time."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Zhiwan became anxious: "But we are about to fight the Dutch, we can't wait!" These cannons demonstrated their superior performance when facing the attacking "Dutch," and they were not at a disadvantage in close combat with the large deck ships. Zheng Hongkui truthfully informed Zheng Zhilong of the battle situation, so as the great battle approached, Zheng Zhilong was determined to replenish the damaged cannons.

Liu Ye pretended to think for a moment and said, "How about this? Tell me how many cannons you need, and then have your elder brother pay the full amount of money at once. I'll have the craftsmen work day and night to try to deliver the goods within three months."

Zheng Zhiwan was somewhat disappointed, "Three months? I'm afraid we won't be able to start fighting the Dutch in time..."

"We still have half a cannon left, let's make do with it for now. Anyway, we won't be able to decide a winner with the Dutch anytime soon," Liu Ye suggested. "Besides, since our two families are allied, the Zheng family's affairs are the Qiongzhou Camp's affairs. Whether it's fighting the Dutch or Liu Xiang, we can do our part!"

Zheng Zhiwan had not expected the other party to offer to join the war. After hesitating for a moment, she replied, "As a member of the Zheng clan, I am very grateful for the general's kindness."